Mattea McKinnon Photographer

Mattea is a UK-born, Australia-based photographer working across water, lifestyle, surf and branding. Her work spans commercial, editorial, and documentary, with a focus on honest, story-driven imagery.

She has worked with a range of brands and publications, shooting projects across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Southeast Asia — from surf retreats and the Australian Pro Adaptive to documenting First Nations lifeguards and their connection to ocean and culture.

Her work has been published in magazines internationally and exhibited in cities including London, Berlin, Athens, and Jaffa.

Now based in Australia, Mattea draws constant inspiration from the ocean. Whether she’s swimming, bodyboarding or surfing, being in the water shapes both her perspective and the way she works.

Her work is grounded in storytelling, through both photography and editorial writing  –  and in the connections this creates with others, helping people feel seen and stand out in a natural way.